Declan O’Rourke is rare in that he is a singer-songwriter who can actually play the guitar. His unique and intricate guitar style endears him to all who have the pleasure of listening to his positive and upbeat songs.
Declan’s music is well structured with rousing choruses and soft melodies. Paul Brady recently heralded O’Rourke’s talent, describing him as; “A rich, soulful, musical voice and a brillant instrumental ability are just the start of it. As a songwriter he has already shown he can mix it with the best.”
O’Rourke actually began playing the guitar in Australia, after his family emigrated there for four years, and a priest recognised his passion for music. When he returned to Ireland at 14 years of age Declan started playing locally and was involved in forming a number of bands.
In recent years Declan has played and recorded extensively with Paddy Casey, featuring on all of the tracks on his multi platinum album Living. O’Rourke has played the Oxegen Festival and has played on the same bill as the legendary Bob Dylan.
His music style fluctuates between high octane anthems like No Brakes, One-Way Minds and Your World to more subtle acoustic numbers such as No Place to Hide, Everything is Different and Galileo.
Scottish singer-songwriter Eddi Reader describes the positive rythym of his melodies perfectly. She says: “Declan O’Rourke happens to be one of the finest songwriters on the planet. His songs have filled my heart and my home these last few months.”
Tickets are available from the Róisín Dubh and Zhivago.
Roisin Dubh Declan O’Rourke. Friday, August 20 @ 9pm. Tickets €25 (€23 members ).
